
Nausicaä
Nausicaä |
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Kanji | ナウシカ |
Rōmaji | Naushika |
Age: | 16 |
Birthday: | Unknown |
Height: | Unknown |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Sumi Shimamoto |
English | Susan Davis |
Nausicaä (ナウシカ, Naushika), is the brave and compassionate princess of the Valley of the Wind and the protagonist of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (風の谷のナウシカ, Kaze no Tani no Naushika), both the manga and the 1984 animated film adaptation by Studio Ghibli. She is the only surviving child of King Jhil and is widely respected for her wisdom, kindness, and ability to communicate with the creatures of the Toxic Jungle. She is often seen with her Mehve (a small glider) and her loyal fox-squirrel companion, Teto. Many believe her to be the prophesied “Blue-Clad One” from the Dorok legends, destined to lead the world toward rebirth.
Background

Appearance in anime
Nausicaä was born as the eleventh child of King Jhil, ruler of the Valley of the Wind, a peaceful kingdom located on the periphery of the Toxic Jungle. As the sole surviving heir, she was raised with a deep sense of responsibility for her people and a love for the natural world. Unlike others who fear the jungle, Nausicaä is fascinated by its flora and fauna, often venturing into its depths to study its secrets. She has a deep understanding of the ecosystem and believes that humans and nature must coexist rather than remain in constant conflict.
She is highly skilled in aerial maneuvering with her Mehve, a jet-powered glider, and is adept in combat, though she prefers diplomacy over violence. Her ability to empathize with and communicate with giant Ohmu, the massive insect-like creatures of the jungle, sets her apart from other leaders of her world.
Appearance
Nausicaä has short, auburn hair and blue eyes, often wearing a blue outfit with a tunic, pants, gloves, and boots, which she uses for protection when exploring the Toxic Jungle. She also wears a mask when navigating the jungle’s miasma-filled atmosphere. Her attire contributes to her association with the “Blue-Clad One” prophecy, which speaks of a savior who will bring balance to the world.
Personality
Nausicaä is kind-hearted, intelligent, and deeply empathetic. She is a natural leader who prioritizes peace, preferring to resolve conflicts through understanding rather than violence. However, she is not without strength when necessary, she will fiercely defend her people and the creatures she protects. Her curiosity and scientific mind drive her to explore the Toxic Jungle and uncover its mysteries rather than fear it.
Despite the hardships she faces, Nausicaä remains optimistic and hopeful. She believes in humanity’s potential to coexist with nature rather than destroy it. Her selflessness and unwavering determination make her a beacon of hope in a world teetering on the edge of destruction.
Role in the Story
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Protector of the Valley of the Wind
Nausicaä serves as both a guardian and a leader to the people of the Valley of the Wind. When the kingdom of Tolmekia invades, she is thrust into a greater conflict that threatens to engulf the entire world in war. She seeks to protect her people not through warfare but through diplomacy and understanding. -
Exploring the Secrets of the Toxic Jungle
Unlike most humans who fear and avoid the Toxic Jungle, Nausicaä actively studies its ecosystem. She discovers that the jungle, rather than being a curse upon humanity, is actually purifying the world by absorbing toxins from the polluted environment. She learns that the Ohmu, the giant insects feared by most, are intelligent and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. -
The Prophecy of the Blue-Clad One
Throughout the story, Nausicaä is associated with an ancient prophecy that speaks of a “Blue-Clad One” who will lead the world toward peace. Many believe she is this figure, as her actions repeatedly demonstrate her ability to bridge the gap between humans and nature. -
Opposing the Cycle of War
Nausicaä finds herself caught between the militaristic ambitions of the Tolmekians and the religious fanaticism of the Dorok Empire. As both factions seek to use ancient weapons for dominance, she fights to prevent further destruction. She ultimately discovers the secrets of the crypt beneath Shuwa, revealing humanity’s tragic past and rejecting the idea of repeating history by relying on old, destructive technology. -
Confronting the God Warrior
One of the key conflicts in the story involves the resurrection of a God Warrior, a bio-engineered superweapon from the past. While others seek to use it for war, Nausicaä recognizes the danger it poses. She interacts with the creature and influences its final actions, ultimately preventing another catastrophe. -
The Ending and a New Future
Nausicaä’s journey leads her to the truth about the world’s past and the role the Toxic Jungle plays in cleansing the environment. By the end of her story, she rejects the old ways of war and destruction, paving the way for a future where humanity can live in harmony with nature.
Relationships
Teto
Her loyal fox-squirrel companion who accompanies her on her journey. Teto initially fears her but quickly grows attached.
King Jhil
Her ailing father, whose declining health forces Nausicaä to take on greater leadership responsibilities.
Lord Yupa
A wise swordsman and mentor figure to Nausicaä, who recognizes her as the key to the world’s salvation.
Kushana
A princess of Tolmekia who initially opposes Nausicaä but later comes to respect her ideals.
The Ohmu
Nausicaä shares a deep connection with these massive, sentient insects and is one of the few humans who understands their role in nature.